Office to Residential Conversion

Written by Dempsey Construction Preconstruction Manager Peter Vasilieff.

Are you thinking about converting an office building to a residential one? Here’s what you need to look out for.

Optimal Building Width

• The ideal shape for the existing building is rectangular. This shape facilitates the desired layout, with a corridor running the length of the building and apartments on both sides.
• If the building is a large square, major reconstruction may be necessary to achieve a functional interior layout, leading to significant cost impacts on the project.

Structural Upgrades

• Modifications, such as adding penetrations for various building systems, may trigger a seismic retrofit, resulting in substantial cost impacts.
• X-raying is required for all new steel reinforcement into existing concrete. The amount of new steel reinforcement may dictate the time spent x-raying concrete for steel installation.
• Here are some building modifications that could trigger a seismic retrofit:
  • Punched openings for new windows in exterior walls.
  • Punched openings for new MEPF distribution for apartment restrooms.
  • Removing portions of the building.
  • Construction of new mezzanines within the building.
  • Building new structures on the existing structure

Outside Air Requirements

• Existing office buildings often lack operable windows.
• Converting an office building to residential requires each apartment to have access to outside air. This can be achieved through 24-hour exhaust or modification of existing windows.

Building Occupancy

• Stairwells may need to be added depending on the change in occupancy.
• Generators and fire/domestic water pumps will be necessary.

MEPF Systems

• Converting an office building to residential entails significantly redistributing mechanical, engineering, plumbing, and fire systems.
• Often, these buildings do not have enough power and will require a power upgrade.
• Sewer and water will most likely need to be upgraded.